Unlocking Memory Metal Power Generation & Energy Conversion, Year 3

Continued from FY17... A new memory metal power generator is being developed using small mass and special Electro Fluid Acceleration techniques that permit high cyclic rates to be efficiently achieved in producing kW levels of power. The 2 array push-pull E-TAC design from the FY16 effort has achieved high mechanical output with a very low power consumption in the laboratory environment. The FY17 effort will: 1) construct a lightweight field deployable unit, 2) Make units fully contained with internal storage and load, 3) Make units simple to fasten to a cold or hot source, 4) Attempt to achieve 1kW electric power at 6000 RPM cyclic rate.

This technology, with its innovative rapid thermal exchange capability, offers a novel new option for kW power generation in environments with thermal variation as low as 10 degrees Celsius in a much more compact and lower weight package than other similar technologies at present. Applications exist not only for space and planetary surface environments but also numerous ground based uses on Earth. This kind of generator can be scaled-down for use within MEMS devices, or scaled-up for use in municipal power plants capable of producing power from naturally occurring thermal sources, and sized in between to support NASA planetary and Exploration missions.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.